Jazz I regard as an American folk music; not the only one, but a very powerful one which is probably in the blood and feeling of the American people more than any other style of folk music.

What the hell do you want to work for somebody else for? Work for yourself!

All these tales of people sitting down and composing symphonies just as though they were writing a letter are very much exaggerated; at least, it isn't that way in my work.

It is always possible to create something original.

Jazz is one of the best things that you can find in your life, it can always be your friend.

Life is a lot like jazz. It's best when you improvise.

Not many composers have ideas. Far more of them know how to use strange instruments which do not require ideas.